Why You'll Love This Authentic Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow)

Pad Krapow is Thailand's most beloved street food, and for good reason. This authentic Thai Basil Chicken delivers the perfect balance of spicy, salty, sweet, and umami flavors in every single bite.

The star is undoubtedly the holy basil (bai krapow), which has a unique peppery, anise-like flavor that can't be replicated with sweet basil. Combined with fiery chilies, garlic, and a savory sauce, it creates an addictive depth of flavor.

Topped with a crispy fried egg with a runny yolk over steamed jasmine rice, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. And the best part? It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

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Ingredients

The Stir-Fry
For the Sauce
For Serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare Aromatics

    Pound or finely mince garlic, chilies, and shallots together. Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

  2. 2

    Start the Stir-Fry

    Heat a wok over high heat until smoking. Add oil, then the aromatics. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Cook the Chicken

    Add ground chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, breaking up lumps until fully cooked.

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  5. 4

    Add Sauce and Basil

    Pour in the sauce mixture and stir-fry for 1 minute. Turn off heat, add basil leaves, and toss until just wilted.

  6. 5

    Serve

    Serve over jasmine rice topped with a crispy fried egg with runny yolk.

Chef's Tips & Variations

💡 Pro Tip:

Use holy basil (bai krapow) if available - it's the authentic choice. Thai basil is a good substitute.

🔑 Chef's Secret:

Cook at the highest heat possible for that signature wok hei flavor.

🍽️ Serving Suggestion:

The crispier the fried egg, the better - crispy edges contrast with the runny yolk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), known as bai krapow in Thai, has a distinct peppery, slightly spicy flavor with hints of anise and clove.

Yes, but the flavor will be sweeter and milder. Thai basil is a better substitute than Italian sweet basil.

The heat comes from Thai bird's eye chilies. Adjust the quantity to your preference, or remove seeds for a milder version.

Ground pork is the most authentic, but chicken, turkey, beef, or tofu all work beautifully with this recipe.

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